VS.
GASOL'S REP:"I’d have loved to see the Grizzlies last year with Rudy Gay in the Playoff lineup and both are vital for this year. However, the better player and one I’d choose next season has to be Marc Gasol because of his unique center skills, unselfish play, and championship success. Gasol is an extraordinary passer amongst 'Bigs' (2nd in Assist Ratio amongst centers who played 30 MPG, behind All-Star Al Horford). He has a wide arsenal of inside moves from skyhooks to fadeaway chip shots and converts efficiently for his career at .545 FG%. He is a proven winner in high pressured, one-and-done international tournaments including a gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships as well as multiple Spanish league titles. At 7’1”, 265 lbs his value increases as a rare commodity in the NBA. Gasol is more valuable."
Who would you rather have this season: Marc Gasol or Rudy Gay?
GASOL'S REP:
GAY'S REP:
"Gasol may have been a dominant player in the international game, but in my humble opinion, he’s serviceable at best in the NBA. His accomplishments across the pond have no bearing and have not translated into championships in the NBA. Gay, on the other hand, has the skill and potential to be a superstar in this league. You could argue that if he played in a larger market, he’d be in that second tier of players behind Kobe, LeBron, and the other top guys. Gasol has never averaged 15ppg in any season; Gay has averaged no less than 18ppg since his rookie year. Gasol has also underachieved as a rebounder. Standing more than 7 feet tall, he’s never averaged double figures in rebounds. Gay has gotten progressively better since coming into the league, and if I had to draft him or Gasol, I would take Gay without hesitation."
GASOL'S REP:
GAY'S REP:
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GASOL'S REP:
"Whoa, what’s with the Gasol hate? Serviceable at best? He’s a borderline All-Star and has a good chance at taking the last center spot this season. If anyone has seen Gasol play, they know he's a great teammate. His RPG are low but that’s because he doesn’t get the playing time. Once Memphis tightened the rotation in the Playoffs his overall stats leaped, leading the team in rebounds (11.2 RPG) and blocks (2.2 BPG). He also averaged 15 PPG at .511 FG%. Gay strikes me as a player who doesn’t play hard and relies too much on athleticism. He did this huge YouTube campaign for fan-inspired dunks and just flamed out at the Dunk Contest. Most disappointing thing ever and unfortunately, that’s how I see his wasting of talent. I like both but Gasol edges Gay in my book and anyone who pays attention to basketball."
GAY'S REP:
"What exactly is a borderline All-Star? The fact that his RPG are down because he doesn’t get the playing time says a something about him. I’m not hating on Gasol; I think he is very talented, but unlike Gay he doesn’t have the talent to be a superstar in this league. Has Gay be an underachiever? Absolutely. But he has a lot of room for improvement and his upside trumps that of Gasol. I actually think that Gasol has topped out and he's as good as he’s going to get. Neither of these guys is in my top 10, but between the two for the 2011-12 season, I would take Gay."
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Welcome back, Hardwood Courtroom followers! I am SO excited that the NBA season will be starting soon! What do you all think of the Grizzlies this year? Will they be able to re-sign Marc Gasol? Will O.J. Mayo stay with the team all season? Will Zach Randolph be an All-Star again? What's the team greatest need? How far do you see them going in this year's Playoffs?
ReplyDeleteIf the Grizzlies keep their core intact, I see them having relatively the same year (record-wise) again. They're probably not going to surpass the Thunder, Lakers, or Mavs, but will remain around the Denver/Portland area. Dangerous team in the playoffs. Could reach the Western Conference Finals if they are rolling like last year and if the Mavs and Lakers have age setbacks. The lack of a pristine superstar will buckle their chances of being serious title contenders though. Love the debates by the way.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight, Feralad. If the Grizz can re-sign Gasol, I see them duking it out with Dallas for the Southwest Division and finishing top 3 in the West. With the compressed schedule (back-to-back-to-backs), continuity, youth, and depth will be at a premium, and the Grizz are one of the only teams in the league who will have all three. I think the West Finals are a very legitimate possibly; remember, Memphis nearly knocked out OKC WITHOUT Rudy Gay in the lineup.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Phil. The Grizzlies are an exciting young team with lots of talent that is still improving and depth as well. We'll just have to see if they're mentally up for the kind of grueling season ahead. I think experience is going to be a huge factor in making it successfully through the upcoming season: I see the Lakers, Spurs and Mavs as the leaders this season in the West.
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